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Reclaimed Wood Structure with Seamless Glass Facade Nestled in Mountain Landscape

Reclaimed Wood Structure with Seamless Glass Facade Nestled in Mountain Landscape
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With a louvered facade made from reclaimed wood and large seamless glass panels offering panoramic views, the design creates a seamless interplay between indoor and outdoor living in a compact mountain retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed wood louvered facade enhances solar shading while adding texture.
02
Seamless glass panels provide unobstructed views and natural light throughout.
03
A gravity-fed water cistern system ensures independent water access.
04
The design incorporates a multifunctional outdoor fireplace that supports wind turbines.
05
Murphy bed optimizes living space in the compact interior layout.

## Micro Cabin in North Carolina

### Overview

Situated in the mountainous region of North Carolina, the Micro Cabin exemplifies a modern approach to high-performance design and sustainable living. The intent is to create a compact yet efficient dwelling that aligns with the natural landscape while fostering a strong connection between occupants and their surroundings. The design incorporates both indoor and outdoor living areas, facilitating interaction with nature.

### Exterior Form and Materiality

The cabin's exterior features a contemporary aesthetic achieved through the use of natural materials. Key components include reclaimed wood, which provides structural integrity and aesthetic warmth; seamless glass that maximizes natural light and offers unobstructed views; concrete used for a robust foundation that encourages effective water drainage; and steel that supports the cabin's structural framework.

This deliberate selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability by minimizing waste and highlighting low-embodied carbon options. The inclusion of technologies such as wind turbines further enhances the cabin's eco-friendly profile, demonstrating an integrated approach to energy efficiency.

### Spatial Layout and Unique Features

The spatial strategy of the cabin emphasizes multi-functionality and efficient use of limited space. The living area, featuring an indoor/outdoor fireplace, serves as a central gathering point while promoting an engaging ecosystem through surrounding planters. The inclusion of a Murphy bed optimizes the space for various uses, and the innovative bathroom design incorporates a toilet with a built-in sink for enhanced water efficiency.

Distinctive features augment the cabin's practicality, such as an outdoor fireplace that supports renewable energy generation and a helicopter pad designed for versatile use. Additionally, a gravity-fed water cistern supports self-sufficiency in water management. The louvered façade not only provides shading but also creates dynamic light play on the cabin's surfaces, enhancing its architectural interest.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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